“One day it was nothing but laughs. We’re on stage and Dave’s looking at me every night like, ‘You’re killing it, dude!!!’ And then it was just… over”: Josh Freese is still puzzled as to why he was fired from Foo Fighters..
Freese, 53, stepped into the band in 2022 following the death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins. He remained behind the kit throughout the Everything Or Nothing At All tour, which supported the 2023 album But Here We Are. Then, in May 2025, he was unexpectedly let go.
At the time, Freese wrote on Instagram that in four decades as a professional drummer he had never been fired from a band, describing himself as “shocked and disappointed,” though not angry.
Now, nine months later, he says he’s still searching for clarity. Speaking to Modern Drummer, Freese explained that any public comments about a group as high-profile as the Foo Fighters quickly spiral into headlines.
“They’re such a massive mainstream band that even a small remark gets pulled out of context and blown up,” he said, referencing a brief podcast appearance that generated widespread speculation. “I’ve got to be careful. There’s more I could say, but I’m still figuring out the right time and way to say it.”
Pressed on why he thinks he was let go, Freese admitted he has “a couple of small theories,” though he declined to elaborate. Despite the abrupt ending, he emphasized that he valued his two years with the group.
“I really did enjoy my time with them,” he said. “They were generous and great to me… until they weren’t.”
What makes it harder to process, he added, is that there were no obvious warning signs. Night after night onstage, frontman Dave Grohl would encourage him, telling him he was “killing it.” Then, suddenly, it was over.
In an earlier conversation with The New York Times, Freese hinted that behind-the-scenes business matters may have played a role, suggesting the issue could have stemmed more from management than music. He also acknowledged that the band’s material wasn’t something he deeply connected with artistically.
Whatever the cause, Freese didn’t stay sidelined for long. He has since rejoined Nine Inch Nails, while their drummer Ilan Rubin moved in the opposite direction to join the Foo Fighters.
For now, Freese remains philosophical — appreciative of the experience, puzzled by its conclusion, and careful about what he chooses to say next.